Argentina and Brazil coordinate to combat cattle theft

Security authorities from Argentina and Brazil have met in Santo Tomé, Corrientes, to establish a joint action plan against organized rural crime and cattle theft (abigeato) along the Uruguay River.

The strategic meeting included representatives from the Corrientes Rural Police, the Argentine Naval Prefecture, and the Military Brigade of Rio Grande do Sul. The goal is to unify efforts, improve information exchange, and coordinate patrols to prevent criminals from using the river border as an escape route.

Local producers report that organized criminal groups are increasingly sophisticated, utilizing drones to monitor the Argentine coast and high-caliber weaponry. Recent incidents include the theft and slaughter of thirteen cattle at the ‘San Roque’ and ‘Rincón de Santa Ana’ establishments. Authorities are concerned that the lack of a permanent naval prefecture detachment in certain areas has created a vacuum exploited by cattle thieves and potential smugglers.